Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai

🪔 About

Sridevi Ajai Thirumalai is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and Guru, and the founder and Artistic Director of the Natyamani School of Dance. Introduced to Bharatanatyam at the age of five by her mother, she received extensive training under esteemed gurus Padmini Ramachandran, Narmada, and Rhadha in India. Sridevi has performed extensively in both India and the United States, presenting solo programs and leading numerous dance productions with her senior students. She is recognized for her pure interpretation of classical traditions and her choreography, which reflects a passion for perfection and grace. Sridevi established the Natyamani School of Dance in 1992 in the Greater Boston area with the vision of sharing her art form with aspiring dancers of all ages. The school is known for its rigorous training and adherence to classical techniques, emphasizing dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. She has guided over 60 students to complete their Arangetrams, with her choreography for each debut reflecting her deep knowledge and tailored to highlight individual student strengths. Sridevi also utilizes her art to advance social causes, particularly those benefiting children, notably through fundraising productions for Akshaya Patra, an organization providing meals to underprivileged school children in India. Awards & Honours: Best Dancer Award, Senior Government of India Scholarship for talented artists, NATYA THAPASVINI (2006), Grant from the Institute for Community Research for Southern New England Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (2008), Mass Cultural Council Finalist in the Traditional Arts (2010), Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), Awards from New England Foundation for the Arts, Awards from Massachusetts Cultural Council, India New England Choice Award for Art and Culture.